Advocating for Better Financial Governance

  As a candidate for the Ferguson Florissant Board of Education, I am committed to ensuring that every decision we make prioritizes the education and well-being of our students. At the heart of this commitment is the need for sound financial governance, transparency, and accountability. The Ferguson Florissant School District is facing a financial shortfall, and now, more than ever, we must act as responsible stewards of the taxpayers’ money. Together, we can navigate these challenges, but it will require tough decisions, open communication, and a steadfast focus on our students’ futures.

The Need for Sound Financial Governance

The current financial situation in our district underscores the urgent need for basic financial governance. Taxpayers deserve to know how their hard-earned dollars are being allocated, and they rightfully expect that their money is being used efficiently and effectively. As a board member, I will ensure that every dollar is spent with the utmost care, treating taxpayer funds as if they were my own. This means adhering to sound financial principles, such as:

1. Budgeting with Precision: Developing a detailed, realistic budget that aligns with the district’s educational priorities and long-term goals. This includes regular reviews and adjustments to  ensure we stay on track.
2. Prioritizing Student Needs: Allocating resources to  programs and initiatives that directly benefit students, such as classroom      resources, teacher support, and extracurricular activities. Every financial decision will be made with the question: How does this      impact our students?
3. Reducing Waste: Conducting thorough audits of current expenditures to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. This includes renegotiating contracts, consolidating services where possible, and cutting unnecessary administrative costs.
4. Building Reserves: Establishing and maintaining a healthy reserve fund to safeguard against future financial uncertainties.  This will provide stability and ensure that we can continue to support our students even in challenging times.

Transparency and Accountability

Transparency is not just a buzzword—it is a fundamental responsibility. Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent, and the board has a duty to provide clear, accessible information. To achieve this, I will advocate for the following measures:

1. Open Financial Reporting: Publishing detailed financial reports on the district’s website, including budgets, expenditures, and audits. These reports should be easy to understand and regularly updated.
2. Community Engagement: Hosting town hall meetings and forums where taxpayers can ask questions, voice concerns, and provide      input on financial decisions. Transparency is a two-way street, and we must actively listen to the community we serve.
3. Independent Audits: Conducting annual independent  audits to ensure accountability and identify areas for improvement. The results of these audits should be shared publicly, along with actionable steps to address any findings.
4. Board Accountability: Holding the administration accountable to the Board of Education, and in turn, ensuring the board is accountable to the taxpayers. This includes setting clear expectations, monitoring progress, and taking corrective action when necessary.

Tough Decisions Ahead

The financial challenges we face will not be resolved overnight, and tough decisions will be required. However, I am confident that by working together—board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and taxpayers—we can overcome these obstacles. My approach will be guided by the following principles:

• Student-Centered Decision-Making: Every decision will be evaluated based on its impact on student learning and success. Our      students’ education must always come first.
• Collaboration and Communication: Engaging all stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure that diverse perspectives are      considered and that the community feels heard.
• Long-Term Planning: Focusing not just on immediate fixes, but on sustainable solutions that will strengthen the district’s financial health for years to come.

A Path Forward

To achieve sound financial governance, the Ferguson Florissant School District must implement clear processes and procedures. Here are some actionable steps we can take:

1. Develop a Multi-Year Financial Plan: Create a comprehensive plan that outlines the district’s financial goals, strategies, and benchmarks for the next three to five years. This plan should be reviewed and updated annually.
2. Establish a Financial Oversight Committee: Form a committee comprised of board members, financial experts, and community representatives to monitor the district’s finances and provide recommendations.
3. Invest in Financial Training: Ensure that board members and administrators receive ongoing training in financial management and      governance. This will empower them to make informed decisions and uphold best practices.
4. Implement Zero-Based Budgeting: Start each budget cycle from zero, requiring every expense to be justified. This approach encourages      efficiency and ensures that resources are allocated to the most critical  needs.
5. Leverage Technology: Use financial management software to streamline budgeting, reporting, and auditing processes. This will improve accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
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The Ferguson Florissant School District is at a crossroads, and the decisions we make today will shape the future of our students and our community. By prioritizing sound financial governance, transparency, and accountability, we can ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and that our students receive the education they deserve. I am committed to putting our students first, making tough decisions when necessary, and working collaboratively to build a stronger, more sustainable future for our district.

Together, we your votes we can overcome these challenges and create a school district that we can all be proud of. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your commitment to our students’ success. Let’s move forward—with integrity, transparency, and a shared vision for excellence in education Remember to VOTE TWICE for VIVIAN D. MANSARAY.